A standard cigarette consists of processed tobacco enclosed in paper, designed to be combustible so a person can inhale the smoke. Using a cigarette requires knowing which end to place in the mouth and which side to ignite. This guide clarifies the distinct components of a manufactured cigarette and the proper technique for its use.
Identifying the Mouthpiece and Lighting End
Manufactured cigarettes have two visibly different ends. The mouthpiece side is the firmer end, covered by a thicker tipping paper, often printed with a cork or white pattern. This end contains the filter and is placed between the lips for drawing smoke. The opposite side is the lighting end, where the cut tobacco is exposed and loose. This loose tobacco end must be lit, as it provides the fuel for combustion. Lighting the filter end would cause the plastic-like material to melt and release unpleasant fumes.
The Purpose of the Filter and Paper
The filter is constructed from thousands of crimped cellulose acetate fibers, a synthetic plastic-like material. Its main function is to provide a firm mouthpiece and act as a physical barrier. As smoke is drawn through, the filter traps larger particulate matter and compounds like tar. The filter also cools the smoke slightly before inhalation, making the draw less harsh.
The thin paper wrapping the tobacco is engineered to control the rate of burn. Manufacturers add chemical components, such as salts, to regulate the paper’s permeability and combustion speed. This ensures the cigarette burns evenly and slowly enough to be consumed over time, while also maintaining the structural integrity of the tobacco column.
Basic Lighting and Drawing Technique
To begin smoking, bring the loose tobacco end into contact with an even flame source, such as a lighter or match. Gently rotate the cigarette in the flame to ensure the entire circumference of the tip is ignited evenly. A slight draw through the mouthpiece helps pull the flame into the tobacco, forming a uniform, glowing red ember. Once lit, consuming the cigarette involves taking small, controlled puffs rather than immediate, deep inhales. These gentle draws maintain the cherry, or glowing ember, and prevent the tobacco from burning too quickly. When finished, safely extinguish the burning tip by pressing the lit end firmly into a non-flammable surface, such as an ashtray, until the red glow is completely gone.